Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2013-2014 (archived)

Module CHEM3097: INORGANIC CONCEPTS AND APPLICATIONS

Department: Chemistry

CHEM3097: INORGANIC CONCEPTS AND APPLICATIONS

Type Open Level 3 Credits 10 Availability Available in 2013/14 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Core Chemistry 2 (CHEM2012) AND Chemistry of the Elements (CHEM2021).

Corequisites

  • Core Chemistry 3 (CHEM3012) or Chemical Physics 3 (CHEM3411)

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To apply chemical principles in the discipline of inorganic chemistry and to study detailed aspects of chemistry in several areas of current interest.

Content

  • Lanthanide and actinide elements: reactivity, spectra and magnetic properties.
  • Applied inorganic spectroscopy: prediction and interpretation of spectra.
  • Organometallic reaction chemistry: nucleophilic and electrophilic addition, substitution and abstraction.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Compare and contrast the chemistry of the compounds of the lanthanide and actinide elements;
  • solve structural problems of inorganic systems using NMR techniques;
  • rationalise the reactions of organometallic compounds and their application to organic synthesis;
Subject-specific Skills:
Key Skills:
  • Problem solving, developed through practice.
  • Information retrieval and scientific writing, exercised through assignments for workshops
  • Self-motivation, in self-guided learning.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures are used to convey concepts, demonstrate what is required to be learned and the application of the theory to practical examples. When appropriate, lectures will be supported by written material, or by information and relevant links on DUO.
  • Private study should be used by students to develop their subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation, through reading textbooks and literature.
  • Workshops are groups of students where problems are considered and common difficulties shared. This ensures that students have understood the work and can apply it to real life situations. These are formatively assessed.
  • Students will be able to obtain further help in their studies by approaching their lecturers, either after lectures or at other mutually convenient times.
  • Student performance will be summatively assessed through examinations. Examinations test students' ability to work under pressure under timed conditions, to prepare for examinations and direct their own programme of revision and learning, and develop key time management skills. The examination will provide the means for students to demonstrate the acquisition of subject knowledge and the development of their problem-solving skills.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 21 1 per week 1 Hour 21
Workshops 3 1 per Term 1.5 Hours 4.5
Preparation and Reading 74.5
Total 100

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written examination Two hours 100%

Formative Assessment:

Set work for workshops.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University